[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11255-S11256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 220--DESIGNATING THE NINTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER OF EACH
YEAR AS ``NATIONAL FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY''
Ms. MURKOWSKI submitted the following resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 220
Whereas fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading cause of
mental retardation in western civilization, including the
United States, and is 100 percent preventable;
Whereas fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a major cause
of numerous social disorders including learning disabilities,
school failure, juvenile delinquency, homelessness,
unemployment, mental illness, and crime;
Whereas economists estimate that each individual with fetal
alcohol spectrum disorders will cost United States taxpayers
between $1,500,000 and $3,000,000 in his or her lifetime;
Whereas in February 1999, a small group of parents of
children who suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome/effect (FAS/
E) came together with the hope that in 1 magic moment the
world could be made aware of the devastating consequences of
alcohol consumption during pregnancy;
Whereas the first International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Awareness Day was observed on September 9, 1999;
Whereas Bonnie Buxton of Toronto, Canada, the co-founder of
the first International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day,
stated the purpose of the observance as: ``What if . . . a
world full of FAS/E parents all got together on the ninth
hour of the ninth day of the ninth month of the year and
asked the world to remember that during the 9 months of
pregnancy a woman should not consume alcohol . . . would the
rest of the world listen?''; and
Whereas on the ninth day of the ninth month of each year
since 1999, communities around the world have observed
International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates the ninth day of September of each year as
``National Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day''; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States to--
(A) observe ``National Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness
Day'' with appropriate ceremonies to--
(i) promote awareness of the effects of prenatal exposure
to alcohol;
(ii) increase compassion for individuals affected by
prenatal exposure to alcohol;
(iii) minimize further effects; and
(iv) ensure healthier communities across the United States;
and
(B) observe a moment of reflection on the ninth hour of the
ninth day of September to remember that during the 9 months
of pregnancy a woman should not consume alcohol.
____
Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, at nine minutes after the hour of nine
in communities across Alaska and around the world, people are pausing
today to observe International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Awareness
Day. International FAS Awareness Day was first observed on September 9,
1999. It began with a small group of parents of children afflicted with
FAS and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) who came together on the Internet to
ask this compelling question, ``What if a world full of FAS and FAE
parents all got together on the ninth hour of the ninth day of the
ninth month of the year and asked the world to remember that during the
nine months of pregnancy a woman should not consume alcohol?''
These pioneering activists, most of whom were adoptive and foster
parents, led by Brian Philcox and Bonnie Buxton of Toronto, Canada, did
not have the resources of large public relations firms or well
connected lobbyists. They organized the first International FAS
Awareness Day on a shoestring using the Internet. Rapidly their group
grew to include more than 70 volunteer coordinators in eight countries.
Through this grassroots awareness effort, many women of childbearing
age learned for the first time that no amount of alcohol in pregnancy
is good.
Each year their simple message travels further. On this fifth
International FAS Awareness Day, we know that the message is getting
across. Numerous observances are planned in my home State of Alaska. In
Nome, a birthday cake celebration will honor all babies who will be
born in the region in the coming year. In Kenai the American Legion
will sponsor a breakfast and the ringing of bells at 9:09 AM. The
Mayors of Anchorage, Haines and Wasilla, to name a few, have issued
local proclamations.
The Commissioner of our Alaska Department of Health and Social
Services, Joel Gilbertson, and the staff of his Division of Behavioral
Health, are to be commended for their diligent efforts in bringing
International FAS Awareness Day to Alaska. An excellent resource manual
to help communities plan their observances, is accessible through the
Internet page of the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social
Services. I would also like to thank the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human
Services, which is publicizing International FAS Awareness Day on their
website.
Yet, in spite of all of the hard work of dedicated volunteers over
the last several years to publicize International FAS Awareness Day, I
was surprised to learn that legislation has not been introduced in the
Congress to ask that the President designate September 9 of each year
as National FAS Awareness Day across the United States. The resolution
that I am introducing today would do just that.
The resolution, like the day itself, is intended to focus attention
on the high cost of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders to our Nation and
the ease of prevention. At the same time it asks that the American
people treat those afflicted with these disorders with compassion and
support. FAS is the largest cause of mental retardation in Alaska, the
United States and all of western civilization and it is one hundred
percent preventable. The simple fact is that no amount of alcohol
during pregnancy has been established as safe for the fetus. If women
do not drink alcohol--any alcohol--during the nine months of pregnancy;
alcohol-related birth defects will be eliminated.
It is high time that we recognize the efforts of the dedicated
volunteers who conceived and developed International FAS Awareness Day
with a national
[[Page S11256]]
observance in the United States. On the first International FAS
Awareness Day in 1999, Bonnie Buxton put forth this question to those
who care for FAS and FAE children, ``What if we made a noise? Would the
rest of the world listen?'' To Bonnie and all of the others who have
made International FAS Awareness Day a reality, I want to say that the
United States Senate is listening and proudly joins in your efforts to
spread the word. Thanks to your good works, the world is listening.
____________________